By Platform Reporters
It was a day of emotions, reflections and celebration as members of Course 1/94 of the Nigeria Customs Service were honoured at a Retirement Party and Public Lecture, with the theme: “From Service to Retirement – Celebrating a Journey of Sacrifice, Accomplishment and New Beginnings.”
Delivering the keynote remarks, Dera Nnadi, mni, Trade Maritime Customs Consultant and Deputy Comptroller General of Customs (Rtd), said the occasion was more than a party — it was a moment to review 35 years of commitment, sacrifice, resilience, friendship and service to the fatherland.
“We have come to say thank you and honour men and women whose professional journeys have contributed, in no small measure, to the growth and development of our nation,” Nnadi said.
A Journey That Began In 1992:
Nnadi took the audience back to 1992, when the retirees entered service with dreams, youthful enthusiasm and great ambitions, and the pride of wearing the uniform of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“For 35 years the Nigeria Customs Service was to become more than a place of employment. It became a school of life, a training ground for leadership, a platform for national service and, for many, a second family,” he said.
He noted that the retirees served through different administrations, varying policies, institutional reforms, operational challenges, technological transformations and evolving national responsibilities — and in all, contributed to history and national economic development.
Losses, Sacrifices And Family:
The former Deputy Comptroller General did not shy away from the pains of service — missed birthdays, anniversaries, school events, difficult postings, delayed expectations and moments when personal ambitions had to give way to institutional demands.
He however urged the retirees not to allow the losses to define their memories of service.
“Take pride in what you contributed, learn from what you experienced and make peace with what you could not change,” he advised.
Nnadi paid glowing tribute to the families behind the retirees, describing wives, husbands and children as silent pillars who bore the burden of postings from Lagos to Maiduguri and other remote border stations.
“You were not spectators in this journey. You were partners, contributors and silent pillars of this achievement,” he said.
He urged the retirees to now return to the family, not merely physically, but emotionally and socially, with renewed attention, affection and commitment.
Success Is Beyond Rank:
Reflecting on unfulfilled dreams, Nnadi cautioned against measuring career success only by final rank, position or material possessions.
“A successful career is also measured by the lives you touched, the people you mentored, the integrity you maintained, the challenges you overcame and the positive contributions you made,” he said.
Lessons For Those Still In Service:
To younger officers still serving, Nnadi offered four key lessons: the uniform represents responsibility, not privilege alone; professionalism, discipline and integrity must remain the foundation; do not sacrifice family and health entirely on the altar of official duty; and cultivate good relationships that will outlive office.
Life After Service:
Nnadi described retirement as a major transition — a Monday morning without parade, briefing or command to report to — but said it should not be viewed as inactivity.
“Do not retire from living simply because you have retired from the Customs Service,” he charged.
He advised the retirees to remain purposeful, pursue old interests, acquire new skills, engage in business, community development and mentorship.
He also warned about changing relationships after office, urging them to distinguish between relationships built around office and those built on genuine affection, friendship and mutual respect.
Health, Wealth And Purpose:
On health, Nnadi stressed regular medical examinations, monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar, balanced meals, exercise, adequate sleep and attention to mental well-being.
On finance, he warned against large commitments because a lump sum has been received, urging prudent management, diversification, and caution against fraudulent investment schemes and unrealistic returns.
“The objective of investment after retirement is not necessarily to become wealthy overnight. It is to preserve capital, generate sustainable income and maintain financial independence,” he said.
He also urged attention to estate planning, wills, social life, spiritual life and community service.
Preserve The Fellowship:
Nnadi urged members of Course 1/94 to think beyond individual retirement and preserve the fellowship built over 35 years, support one another, and document their experiences for the benefit of the Nigeria Customs Service and future generations.
“You may be retiring from the institution, but the institution should not lose the benefit of your experience,” he said.
Closing Charge:
In his closing, Nnadi congratulated the retirees and wished them good health, peace of mind, financial security, family happiness and many more productive years.
“Retirement is not the end of your relevance. It is the beginning of a different expression of your relevance. The uniform may be returned, the office may be handed over and the official authority may come to an end, but your knowledge, experience, wisdom, relationships and capacity to make a difference remain with you.”
